Travel Pillow and Carrying Pack Combination

ABSTRACT

A travel pillow and carrying pack combination comprising two flexible containers and a strap. The two flexible containers include fasteners that allow the containers to connect to each other and to the strap that has corresponding fasteners on either end. In accordance with various embodiments, the two flexible containers can be used singly or together and filled with soft items to form a travel pillow. When used in combination with the strap, one or both flexible containers can be employed as a sling bag, waist pack, or shoulder bag.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/791,831, filed Jan. 13, 2019 by the present inventor, which is incorporated by reference.

This invention is a multi-use travel pillow comprised of two carry packs and an adjustable/removable strap.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Prior Art

The following is a tabulation of some prior art that presently appears relevant:

U.S. PATENTS

Pat. No. Kind Code Issue Date Patentee 10,021,949 B2 2018 Jul. 17 Donna Cooper 10,051,901 B2 2018 Aug. 21 Eliot Peyser

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to pillows, and more particularly, to multi-functional travel pillows.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Travelers are often forced to rest or sleep in a seated upright position. Various travel pillows exist for head and neck support, but are often bulky and difficult to pack or carry. Travel pillows which provide substantial neck and head support for sleeping comfort are often made of memory foam or other commercially-produced pillow filling. With modern airlines limiting carryon luggage in quantity and size, these single-function pillows add unwanted bulk to valuable carryon capacity and are often awkward to carry. Additionally, many travel pillows are of an inflexible shape that cannot be adapted to the size of an individual's neck or adjusted for various sleeping positions. The present invention is of particular significance when applied to travel pillows designed for airplane travel; however, the principles of the present invention may be applied to other types of travel, as well as to camping and commuting.

An example of a travel pillow that fills a void left by bulky and conventional single-use travel pillows is one that can be used to pack garments. U.S. Pat. No. 10,021,949 B2 dated Jul. 17, 2018 by Donna Cooper describes a flexible tubular container that can contain clothing items and be bent into a C-shape and used to provide neck support during travel.

U.S. Pat. No. 10,051,901 B2 dated Aug. 21, 2018 by Eliot Peyser of DPI Imports, Inc. describes a travel pillow that is a jacket convertible into a neck pillow and visa versa. A pouch from the collar is used to contain the jacket and form a U-shaped pillow.

While there are a few multi-use travel pillows that function to hold garments, the need exists for a travel pillow system that not only allows the user to pack additional carryon items, but also to carry the pillow comfortably in a variety of ways, and to adjust the pillow for individual comfort. The traditional low profile U-shaped and C-shaped pillows often provide insufficient support of the head and allow for only minimal individualization for the user. Furthermore, when the bulk is concentrated behind the head as in these pillows, the user's neck can be pushed in an uncomfortable forward position. Lastly, traditional travel pillows and packable travel pillows are awkward to carry.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In various embodiments, the travel pillow and carrying pack combination comprises two containers (herein referred to as “carry packs” or “packs”) and a strap that can be configured to be used in various combinations as a travel pillow or as a tote. Each carry pack has a main compartment formed by a top side, back side, bottom side, and front side. In various embodiments, the compartment can be secured by a zipper common to the top side and front side, allowing the main compartment of the pack to be closed or opened by lifting the top side, or flap, for easy and convenient loading of clothes, other soft goods and small items. In these embodiments, the top side and bottom side are curved, allowing for the front panel to have a curved shape.

In various embodiments, top side, the back side, and bottom side of each carry pack consist of soft fabric or layers of fabric such as a combination of cotton moleskin and cotton batting. A variety of other soft and durable fabrics may be used. The top side, back side, and bottom side may consist of separate, connected pieces of fabric or consist of a single oval shape of fabric connected to the front side. In other embodiments, these sides may include additional seams or pockets.

The front side is comprised of durable fabric but does not need to be as soft as the fabric used for the top, back, and bottom sides as this side does not contact the user's face or neck when the packs are configured as a travel pillow.

In an alternate embodiment, the top, back, and bottom, sides of each pack are formed by two half moon shaped pieces of fabric sewn together at the inner curve, resulting in a central seam starting from the middle of the top side and extending through middle of the back and bottom sides. The back side of this embodiment is curved in shape. This curve conforms to the curve of the user's neck when the two packs are combined and worn as a travel pillow. Another advantage of this embodiment is that the soft batting interior fabric can be anchored securely in the middle seam. In this embodiment, the front and bottom sides are symmetrical, but they may also be asymmetrical.

The detachable and adjustable strap may be made of a material such as cotton or nylon webbing or fabric and is attached to a female fastener at one end and a male fastener at the other end, allowing it to be connected to a single pack or combined packs that have corresponding fasteners on their distal ends. The strap is lengthened or shortened by sliding one or both ends through a buckle mechanism or strap adjuster. At its longest length the strap is of sufficient length to carry one pack over a shoulder; at its shortest length, the strap is of sufficient length to attach one pack as a waist pack.

In one embodiment, each pack has two mating fasteners, such as one male and one female plastic side-release buckle, which extend laterally from both sides of each pack. The fasteners are attached to the lateral sides of each carry pack by adjustable or fixed straps of 2-7 inches in length which are sewn into the lateral seam or onto the front side. The fastening straps may consist of webbing (cotton or nylon), fabric, leather or synthetic material. Both packs can be placed with rear sides adjacent to each other and attached together at both ends by a corresponding pair of fasteners. When the packs are attached together and worn as a travel pillow, they can be configured so that one pair of fasteners are placed next to the back of the user's neck while the other pair of fasteners are situated under, but not typically touching, the user's chin. In some embodiments, the front-facing fasteners function both as side-release buckles as well as strap adjustors, allowing the person to easily adjust the distal ends of the strap to fit the pillow comfortably around the neck.

In the configuration of the carry packs as a travel pillow, the outer pockets of each carry pack are situated distal to the user on the front side. In various embodiments, the outer pocket is attached at the seams at the top and bottom of the front side of the pack with the bottom side of the pocket stitched to the front side. Items such as cell phones or glasses may be stored comfortably and securely in pockets that are made of elastic webbing or fabric. The pockets may be secured by fasteners such as zippers, hook-and-loop, snaps, or magnets.

The packs of this present embodiment have a plurality of flexible interior pockets that are attached to the interior lining behind the front side. They are appropriately sized to store passports, cell-phones, ear plugs, cash, credit cards, and other valuables. In various embodiments, one or more pockets may be secured by the use of hook-and-loop, snaps or other closures. In other embodiments, a zipped pocket may replace these open pockets.

Another embodiment includes an attached or removable cuff over one set of fasteners serves to cover the fasteners situated at the back of the neck when the two packs are combined. The purpose of the cuff is to provide a soft cushion against the back of the neck when the combined packs are used as a travel pillow. This cuff or cover can be sewn into the lateral seam of one of the packs and remain open on one or more sides so that the buckle can be fastened easily. In alternate embodiments, the cover for the fasteners may be removable.

To use the combined packs as a bilateral head and neck support travel pillow, the user can fill the packs with soft clothing, connect the rear-facing fasteners together, and place each pack on each shoulder. The user may then secure the front facing fasteners so that the packs remain in place. In various embodiments, the snugness of the two packs around the neck may be adjusted by pulling or loosening the straps looped through the front-facing fasteners. The combined packs can be worn bottom up (zippers facing down) or top up (zippers facing up). In this configuration, the two packs function together as a U-shaped pillow by cushioning and supporting the jaw so that the head rests in a neutral position. The height of the pillow can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the amount of soft goods that are contained within the pack. In this embodiment, the packs are identical in shape and size; however, the principles of the invention are not limited to symmetrical packs, and asymmetrical embodiments are meant to come within the scope of this invention.

In another configuration, a single pack may be used with a strap as a pillow to provide unilateral head and neck support. In this configuration, one pack is placed on the person's shoulder and anchored into place by the adjustable and removable strap. The strap may be attached to one end of the pack by a fastener such as a side-release buckle. The other end of the strap may be looped under the shoulder of the opposite arm and extended around the torso of the user to attach to the fastener on the other end of the pack behind the neck of the user. The strap can be also anchored under the opposite arm, elbow or hand. By adjusting the length of the strap at the fastener, the person may stabilize the pillow on one shoulder. The pack can easily be removed and placed on the opposite shoulder and anchored in a similar fashion. Alternatively, the single pack may be used as a pillow without the strap if desired.

A plurality of configurations allow the packs and straps to be used as a tote. In one configuration, the attachable and adjustable strap is connected to one pack at both ends so that it can be worn around the hips or waist during travel or other activities. The pack can also be worn as a sling bag so that the pack is carried closely next to the chest or back. Lastly, the packs can be connected together and worn as a shoulder bag with the strap. The waist pack and sling bag allow the user to be “hands-free” and enjoy the security of carrying valuables in a visible and protected location on the body. In addition, the packs may be used in this way during physical activities such as jogging, hiking, walking, etc.

Advantages

Accordingly several advantages of one or more aspects are as follows: to provide a multifunctional travel pillow that is easy to transport, that can adequately support the sides of a user's head, that has multiple configurations for customization to an individual's anatomy and sleeping position, and that can be used easily as a carrying pack (or packs) when not used as a travel pillow. These and other benefits will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuring description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. Perspective view of two carry packs connected together

FIG. 2. Frontal view of packs attached together at one end and to strap

FIG. 3. Perspective view of interior of one carry pack

FIG. 4. Perspective view of two carry packs connected together in accordance with an additional embodiment of a curved back side

FIG. 5. Front view of connected carry packs in accordance with additional embodiments of a curved back side and a cover over connected fastener

FIG. 6: Rear view of connected carry packs in accordance with an additional embodiment of a cover over connected fastener

FIG. 7. Perspective view of one pack with strap used a travel pillow

FIG. 8. Perspective view of one carry pack used as a waist or hip pack

FIG. 9. Frontal view of one pack used as a cross-body bag

FIG. 10: Side view of two carry packs used as an over-the-shoulder bag

REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   20 pack -   22 top side of pack -   24 back side of pack -   25 bottom side of pack -   26 front side of pack -   27 pocket -   28 zipper closure connecting front side to top side -   29 seam to provide increased curvature of back side -   30 fixed or adjustable strap to connect fastener to lateral seam of     pack or to front side -   31 cover or cuff over pair of fasteners -   32 male and female pair of fasteners (front facing when configured     as a travel pillow) -   34 adjustable strap with one male fastener at one end and one female     fastener at other end -   40 male and female pair of fasteners -   44 securing strap -   46 interior pocket behind the front side -   48 interior pocket behind the front side

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS Drawings

Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. The following description provides specific details for a thorough understanding of and enabling description for these embodiments. Throughout this description, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” “include,” and “including” are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, meaning “including, but not limited to.”

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate all of the parts of this invention and some of the ways in which they can be combined. In various embodiments, the travel pillow and carrying pack combination comprises two packs 20 and a strap 34. Each carry pack has a main compartment formed by a top side 22, back side 24, bottom side 25, and front side 26. In various embodiments, the compartment can be secured by a zipper 28 common to the top side 22 and front side 26, allowing the main compartment of the pack to be closed or opened by lifting the top side, or flap, 22 for easy and convenient loading of clothes, other soft goods and small items. In these embodiments, the top side 22 and bottom side 25 are curved, allowing for the front panel to have a curved shape.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the packs 20 connected together by the two pairs of mating fasteners 32, 40 which extend laterally from both sides of each pack. The fasteners are attached to the lateral sides of each carry pack by adjustable or fixed straps 30 of 2-7 inches in length which are sewn into the lateral seam or onto the front side 26. In other embodiments, the fasteners can be attached to the front side 26.

As shown in FIG. 1, the outer pockets 27 of each carry pack are situated distal to the user on the front side 26. In this illustration, the outer pocket is attached at the seams at the top and bottom of the front side of the pack 26 with the bottom side of the pocket 27 stitched to the front side 26. The pockets 27 may be secured by fasteners such as zippers, hook-and-loop, snaps, or magnets.

FIG. 3 shows one carry pack 20 with the top flap 22 open. In this illustration, flexible interior pockets 46 and 48 are attached to the interior lining behind the front side. They are appropriately sized to store passports, cell-phones, ear plugs, cash, credit cards, and other valuables. At least one pocket (e.g., 48) may be secured by the use of hook-and-loop, snaps or other closures. In other embodiments, a zipped pocket may replace these open pockets.

FIG. 3 shows a single pack with a luggage securing strap 44 made of a material such as twill tape, webbing, fabric or elastic to compress soft goods placed in the large compartment, as well as to prevent soft goods from falling out when the user opens the pack to retrieve other items. In this embodiment, the center of the securing strap 44 is attached to the bottom seam of the carry pack. The user may wrap the strap 44 around soft goods and tighten and secure the strap threading it through the buckle at one end and fastening it to itself with hook-and-loop at the other end. Alternate embodiments may or may not include straps. In some embodiments, both carry packs are lined with fabric on the inside and seams are bound with twill tape or binding. Other embodiments may not include bound seams or lining.

FIGS. 4-5—Additional Embodiments

FIG. 4 illustrates an additional embodiment, in which the top 22, back 24, and bottom 25 sides are formed by two half moon shaped pieces of fabric sewn together resulting in a central seam 29 extending down the middle of the top, back and bottom sides. The resulting shape of this embodiment is a curved back side 24. In this illustration, the travel pillow is worn with the zippers face down so that the bottom side 25 is facing up. In this embodiment, the front 26 and bottom sides 25 are symmetrical, but they may also be asymmetrical.

FIGS. 5-6 illustrate an additional embodiment in which an attached or removable cuff 31 over one set of fasteners serves to cover the fasteners situated at the back of the neck 40 when the two packs are combined. This cuff or cover 31 can be sewn into the lateral seam of one of the packs and open at the bottom so that the buckle can be fastened easily. In alternate embodiments, the cover for the fasteners may be removable.

FIGS. 4, 7—Operation as a Travel Pillow

FIG. 4 illustrates this invention configured as a travel pillow for a person resting in a seated position while traveling by plane, train, automobile or the like. The snugness of the two packs around the neck may be adjusted by pulling or loosening the straps 30 looped through the front-facing fasteners 32. The combined packs can be worn bottom up as shown in this picture (zippers 28 facing down) or top up (zippers 28 facing up).

FIG. 7 shows another configuration of a travel pillow, in which a single pack may be used as a pillow to provide unilateral head and neck support. In this configuration, one pack 20 is placed on the person's shoulder and anchored into place by the adjustable and removable strap 34. The strap may be attached to one end of the pack by a fastener such as a side-release buckle 32. The other end of the strap may be looped under the shoulder of the opposite arm and extended around the torso of the user to attach to the fastener (40—not visible) on the other end of the pack behind the neck of the user. The strap can be also anchored under the opposite arm, elbow or hand. By adjusting the length of the strap 34 at the fastener 32, the person may stabilize the pillow on one shoulder. The pack can easily be removed and placed on the opposite shoulder and anchored in a similar fashion. Alternatively, the single pack 20 may be used as a pillow without the strap if desired.

FIGS. 8-10—Operation as Carrying Pack/Packs

FIGS. 8-10 illustrate ways in which a person may pack and use the carry packs for transporting items. In FIG. 8, the attachable and adjustable strap 34 is connected to the pack at both ends so that it can be worn around the hips or waist during travel or other activities.

FIG. 9 illustrates the use of one pack as a sling bag. In this configuration, the strap 34 is attached to a single pack at both distal ends and looped over one shoulder so that the pack lies close to the front or the back of the torso.

FIG. 10 illustrates the use of both packs 20 and the strap 34 as a double-pack tote. In this configuration, the user wears one pack 20 in front and one pack 20 in back. The user may pack valuable items in the front pack and less valuable items, such as a water bottle, in the back facing pack.

Advantages

From the description above, a number of advantages to some of the embodiments of this travel pillow and carrying pack combination become evident:

-   (a) The combination travel pillow and pack is multifunctional,     allowing the user to consolidate multiple items into a single tool;     a travel pillow, waist pack, cross body pack, waist pack and     shoulder bag. -   (b) When filled tightly with soft goods, the carry packs are firmer     than conventional foam, fiberfill, or micro-bead filled travel     pillows and provide adequate support for the neck and head while the     user rests in an upright position. Alternatively, the packs may be     filled to medium capacity to increase the softness and flexibility     to improve comfort for users who prefer a softer pillow. -   (c) The packs, straps, and their multiple configurations are easily     configured as a customizable travel pillow with regard to height,     softness, and snugness to provide improved comfort and benefits such     as a better quality of rest. -   (d) The packs, straps, and their multiple configurations as carrying     packs allow the user to customize a tote for more convenient and     secure transporting of valuables and necessities. -   (e) When filled with soft goods and used as a travel pillow, the     packs provide support to the side of the head in contrast to support     at the back of the head where support is not needed. -   (f) A traveler's overall carryon capacity is potentially increased     by packing soft goods in the main compartments of the packs and     transporting the packs as a travel pillow. -   (g) When the packs are not stored with soft goods, the user may     place one pack inside the other. By connecting the female and male     fasteners of the container pack together, the entire pillow system     compresses conveniently for packing or storing. -   (h) If the user does not wish to use the packs as a pillow or tote     at the beginning of a trip, the packs can also be placed inside a     suitcase to store and organize clothing such as underwear or socks. -   (i) Connected together, the packs can be easily attach to a roller     suitcase or to a backpack using the fasteners. -   (j) Both packs can be stacked on top of each other and placed on a     table, desk or seat-back tray table to provide comfort for the user     in a forward sleeping position where the user's head rests on the     pillows.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE

To summarize, this travel pillow and carrying pack combination is comprised of two carry packs and an adjustable/removable strap. Alternate embodiments may also include a curved back side and a cover over the back fasteners when used as a travel pillow. Among this travel pillow and carrying pack combination's many advantages, it is customizable for the individual user, thus, providing increased comfort as a travel pillow. The combination travel pillow and packs are also portable and versatile when configured as a tote, a waist pack, a sling bag or a shoulder bag. Lastly, when not in use as a travel pillow, pack, or tote, the combination travel pillow and packs can be used to organize clothing in a suitcase or folded into a compact form.

Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be considered the only preferred embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made in the embodiments illustrated without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention. Thus, these embodiments are not to be limited to the particular forms herein shown, and the scope should be determined by the appended claims rather than by the examples given. 

1. A travel pillow and carrying pack combination, comprising: (a) two similar-sized flexible containers, the main chamber of each container comprising a top side, a back side, a bottom side, and a front side with the cavity of the container being accessible through an opening between the top side and front side, (b) an adjustable carrying strap, (c) means for connecting said flexible containers together at both of their distal ends when back sides of said containers are oriented towards each other, (d) means for joining distal ends of each of said flexible containers to the distal ends of said carrying strap.
 2. The travel pillow and carrying pack combination of claim 1 wherein said opening between the top side and front side is fastenable by means of a zipper.
 3. The travel pillow and carrying pack combination of claim 1 wherein the connecting means of the containers together at each distal end of said containers comprises a mating pair of fasteners such as a male and female side-release buckle.
 4. The travel pillow and carrying pack combination of claim 1 wherein the connecting means of the strap to the single container or the combined containers comprises a mating pair of fasteners, one at either end of said strap, which connect to corresponding said fasteners on distal ends of both flexible containers.
 5. The travel pillow and carrying pack combination of claim 1 wherein the interior of one or both containers comprises one or more zippered or open pockets.
 6. The travel pillow and carrying pack combination of claim 1 further comprising a removable cover over the fasteners when said two containers are connected together at one end.
 7. The travel pillow and carrying pack combination of claim 6 wherein said cover for one set of fasteners is attached to and extends out from the distal end of one of the containers.
 8. The travel pillow and carrying pack combination of claim 1, wherein said top side, back side, and bottom sides are formed by two moon-shaped sides that are seamed together vertically and allow increased curvature of the back side.
 9. The travel pillow and carrying pack combination of claim 1, wherein the containers are filled with soft clothing and are attached together in the first configuration partially or wholly wrapped around the user's neck as head support.
 10. The travel pillow and carrying pack combination of claim 1, wherein one container is attached to the adjustable carrying strap in a second configuration to be worn about the waist, hips, torso, or over the shoulder.
 11. The travel pillow and carrying pack combination of claim 1, wherein both containers are attached together and to the adjustable carrying strap in a third configuration to be worn about the waist, hips, torso, or over the shoulder. 